Celebrating Marlborough’s heritage in downtown cultural district

By
Community Advocate
-
233

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer

A duo from the Spanish Community Dancers of the Immaculate Conception Parish perform.
A duo from the Spanish Community Dancers of the Immaculate Conception Parish perform.

Marlborough – The weather cooperated for the first time in three years when the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) hosted the 19th annual Marlborough Heritage Festival in the city’s downtown cultural district Oct. 5. Residents and visitors flocked to Main Street for five hours of family fun featuring live musical and dance entertainment, trackless train rides and children’s story times, as well as vendors and representatives of nonprofit organizations.

Festivities began with the 10th annual Main Street Mile organized by the Highland City Striders. The all-downhill run begins at the Prospector East Saloon on Lincoln Street and continues for one mile to City Hall. Finishing first overall in 4:20 was Rory Jenkins of Sagamore Beach, visiting Marlborough determined to beat the course record. That distinction, however, remains with Sonny Gamble of Marlborough, who finished in 4:16 in 2009. This year, 109 runners ranging in age from 3 to 69 participated.

Appetites were once again satisfied with the Chowder and Chili Challenge. For only $3 each, about 1,000 festival guests sampled offerings from 10 local eateries and voted for their favorites. A panel of judges also cast their votes. Most votes for chowder went to Catering Options from the judges, and to Kennedy’s Restaurant from festival guests. Marlborough Hospital garnered the most votes for chili from both the guests and the judges.

Rory Jenkins finishes first overall in the Main Street Mile.
Rory Jenkins finishes first overall in the Main Street Mile.
Eight-year-old twin brothers Mateo and Marcos Arellano cruise the Main Street in a trackless train.
Eight-year-old twin brothers Mateo and Marcos Arellano cruise the Main Street in a trackless train.
The Velvet Moon Gypsies return to the festival for their seventh year.
The Velvet Moon Gypsies return to the festival for their seventh year.
Doug Rowe (center) is congratulated as the Heritage Hero from City Councilor Don Landers and Susanne Morreale Leeber, president and CEO of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Doug Rowe (center) is congratulated as the Heritage Hero from City Councilor Don Landers and Susanne Morreale Leeber, president and CEO of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Marlborough Historical Society member Debby Foley reads a story to Hunter McKelvey, 3, and his mother, Lindsey.
Marlborough Historical Society member Debby Foley reads a story to Hunter McKelvey, 3, and his mother, Lindsey.
Grupo Folclorico de Criancas of the Hudson Portuguese Club make their first appearance at the festival.
Grupo Folclorico de Criancas of the Hudson Portuguese Club make their first appearance at the festival.
Cadets of the local Civil Air Patrol Color Guard conduct a demonstration in front of City Hall.
Cadets of the local Civil Air Patrol Color Guard conduct a demonstration in front of City Hall.
Young members of the Spanish Community Dancers of the Immaculate Conception Parish perform.
Young members of the Spanish Community Dancers of the Immaculate Conception Parish perform.

Named this year’s Heritage Hero was Doug Rowe. In addition to serving as a MRCC board member since 1961, Rowe is member of the Marlborough Historical Society, Olde Marlborough, Marlborough Rotary Club, Friends of Marlborough Public Library and Marlborough Foundation.

Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

No posts to display